MedWorm: Rotavirus Vaccine

No Increase in Intussusception With Rotavirus Vaccine (CME/CE, with video)

MedPage Today Gastroenterology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- The risk of intussusception was not elevated in U.S. infants who received the current pentavalent rotavirus vaccine, easing concerns raised by earlier studies, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)

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Intussusception Risk Not Elevated with Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine

Physician's First Watch current issue — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)

Rotavirus Vaccine Not Linked to Risk of Intestinal Disorder

WebMD Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:20:32 +0100

Despite studies showing that the rotavirus vaccine can reduce the number of children hospitalized for severe diarrhea, some U.S. doctors are slow to embrace it for fear that this vaccine may increase an infant’s risk of a life-threatening bowel blockage (intussusception). (Source: WebMD Health)

Rotavirus vaccine not linked to bowel problems

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:40:58 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study further eases fears that the rotavirus vaccine might increase the risk of blocked bowels in infants -- a concern that led to an earlier version of the vaccine being pulled from the market in the United States. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Kids' Diarrhea Vaccine Appears Safe After All

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

Risk of intestinal side effect didn't rise; children should be vaccinated, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Diarrhea, Rotavirus Infections (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Rotavirus vaccine not associated with increased risk of intestinal disorder in US infants

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(JAMA and Archives Journals) Although some data have suggested a possible increased risk of intussusception (when a portion of the small or large intestine slides forward into itself, like a telescope) after administration of the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine in infants, an analysis that included almost 800,000 doses administered to US infants found no increased risk of this condition following vaccination, according to a study in the Feb. 8 issue of JAMA. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Risk of Intussusception Following Administration of a Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine in US Infants [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Among US infants aged 4 to 34 weeks who received RV5, the risk of intussusception was not increased compared with infants who did not receive the rotavirus vaccine. (Source: JAMA)

Intussusception rate not increased by rotavirus vaccine in US

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Med Sci Monit 2012; 18(2):PH12-17 "The temporal relationship between RotaTeq immunization and intussusception adverse events in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)"

Medical Science Monitor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study significantly associates RotaTeq vaccination with intussusception AEs. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

Vaccine discontinuation and switching following regulatory interventions in response to rotavirus vaccine contamination with porcine circovirus DNA fragments

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsRecommended suspension of RV1 use led to a substantial decrease in use and extensive switching to RV5. The announcement that RV5 was similarly contaminated, but without a corresponding recommendation to suspend use, had little effect on use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety)

[Articles] 2008 estimate of worldwide rotavirus-associated mortality in children younger than 5 years before the introduction of universal rotavirus vaccination programmes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:05:13 +0100

Introduction of effective and available rotavirus vaccines could substantially affect worldwide deaths attributable to diarrhoea. Our new estimates can be used to advocate for rotavirus vaccine introduction and to monitor the effect of vaccination on mortality once introduced. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

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Zambia: Minister Administers First Rotavirus Dose

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:03:59 +0100

Times of Zambia (Ndola)-MINISTER of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, Joseph Katema yesterday administered the first dose of rotavirus vaccine against diarrhoea in children under the age of five at Chawama Hospital in Lusaka. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

European CHMP issues positive opinion on increasing age range for rotavirus vaccine (Rotateq)

NeLM - News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: EMA Area: News The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending extension of age range for rotavirus vaccine (Rotateq) from the age of 6 weeks to 32 weeks (previously 24 weeks) for prevention of gastroenteritis due to rotavirus infection. RotaTeq is to be used on the basis of official recommendations. (Source: NeLM - News)

Unencumbered by facts: what upsets me most about the anti-vaccine movement

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:30:11 +0100

Recently I watched a clip of Andrew Wakefield being interviewed on Good Morning America, and it gave me the chills. Andrew Wakefield, if you haven’t heard of him, is the guy who pretty much singlehandedly scared thousands of parents away from the MMR vaccine with a study he published in the Lancet linking the vaccine with autism. The study has since been retracted, something journals almost never do, after it was discovered that data in it was falsified. Not only that, Wakefield lost his medical license. But is he backing down? No way. On the contrary: he is suing the British Medical Journal (from Texas) for defamation. And he is still defending his findings. It was stunning to watch. George Stephanopoulos, who was interviewing him, pointed out that his colleagues who worked with him h...

Recent Rotavirus Vaccines Safe, Study Says

Pharmacy News - Doctors Lounge — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Gastrointestinal complications not associated with updated formulations (Source: Pharmacy News - Doctors Lounge)

Recent Rotavirus Vaccines Safe

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Gastrointestinal complications not associated with updated formulations Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Rotavirus Infections (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Rotavirus Vaccine Re-Introduction Not Linked To Increase In Intussusception

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0100

According to an investigation by child health experts at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, the updated rotavirus vaccines do not seem to increase the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications, even though it was taken off the market in 1999 after being linked to these potentially deadly adverse effects. The study is published this week in Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. In 2006 and 2008 the two updated versions of the vaccine were re-introduced... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

No Intussusception Rise Seen With Vaccine Reintroduction No Intussusception Rise Seen With Vaccine Reintroduction

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:18:15 +0100

Updated rotavirus vaccines are not associated with an increased risk for the severe bowel obstruction that was associated with the previous rotavirus vaccine, according to results of a new study. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Intussusception Not Seen With New Rotavirus Vaccines (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Infectious Disease — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- The reintroduction of routine rotavirus vaccination for infants in 2007 did not result in a measurable increase in the rate of intussusception in the U.S., according to a trend analysis. (Source: MedPage Today Infectious Disease)

Rotavirus vaccine not tied to bowel problem: study

Reuters: Health — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:19:50 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Despite concerns that rotavirus vaccines might raise infants' risk of blocked bowels, a new study finds that hospitalization rates for the intestinal complication didn't go up after vaccination became routine in the United States in 2007. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Updated rotavirus vaccine not linked to increase in bowel obstruction, research shows

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:54:54 +0100

The rotavirus vaccine was pulled from the marketplace in 1999 after being associated with painful gastrointestinal complications, however, the updated rotavirus vaccines do not appear to increase the occurrence of these potentially fatal side effects, according to a new study by child health experts. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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U-M study shows updated rotavirus vaccine not linked to increase in bowel obstruction

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Michigan Health System) The rotovirus vaccine was pulled from the marketplace in 1999 after being associated with painful gastrointestinal complications, however, the updated rotavirus vaccines do not appear to increase the occurrence of these potentially fatal side effects, according to a new study by child health experts at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Hospitalizations for Intussusception Before and After the Reintroduction of Rotavirus Vaccine in the United States [Article]

Archives of Pediatrics — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The reintroduction of rotavirus vaccine since 2006 has not resulted in a detectable increase in the number of hospital discharges for intussusception among US infants. (Source: Archives of Pediatrics)

The Food and Drug Administration's Post‐Licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring program: strengthening the federal vaccine safety enterprise

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTIn 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services created the new Post‐Licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring (PRISM) program, which used data from national health insurance plans and immunization registries to monitor the safety of the H1N1 influenza vaccine. PRISM has now been integrated into the FDA's Mini‐Sentinel pilot program. It strengthens the federal vaccine safety enterprise in two important ways. First, PRISM monitors the largest US general population cohort designated for active surveillance of vaccine safety. Second, PRISM links data from health plans with data from state and city immunization registries, which were a crucial source of exposure data in the H1N1 vaccine evaluation. The Mini‐Sentinel data that support PRISM are updated quarterly, and PRI...

Rotavirus vaccine series completion and adherence to vaccination schedules among infants in managed care in the United States.

Vaccine — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of infants that completed the series was greater and compliance with respective FDA-approved and harmonized dosing schedules was higher among infants vaccinated with RV1 than among infants who received RV5. PMID: 22214886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a universal rotavirus immunization program in Japan.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:27:37 +0100

Authors: Sato T, Nakagomi T, Nakagomi O Abstract In anticipation of the imminent licensure of rotavirus vaccine, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in Japan by taking into account the considerable variations in the incidence of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations previously reported in the literature. We assumed that the variation was due to local differences in healthcare utilization practices rather than a true difference in the incidence of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. Thus, a Markov model was constructed such that the sum of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations and outpatient visits was set a constant value of 129 cases per 1,000 child-years. We calculated the direct medical cost, the indirect cost, and the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) loss in...

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CDC study affirms benefits of routine rotavirus vaccination [NEWS AND FEATURES]

AAP News — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: AAP News)

Rotavirus disease burden among children

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:23:31 +0100

Conclusions Rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhoea in children <5 years of age in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, highlighting the potential health benefits of vaccination and the need for continued surveillance to assess impact and effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccination programme in Guatemala. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Immunization schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: 2012 recommendations.

Anales de Pediatria — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moreno-Pérez D, Alvarez García FJ, Aristegui Fernández J, Barrio Corrales F, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ, Corretger Rauet JM, González-Hachero J, Hernández-Sampelayo Matos T, Merino Moína M, Ortigosa Del Castillo L, Ruiz-Contreras J, Abstract The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (CAV-AEP) updates the immunization schedule every year, taking into account epidemiological data as well as evidence on the effectiveness and efficiency of vaccines. The present schedule includes grades of recommendation. We have graded as routine vaccinations those that the CAV-AEP believes all children should receive; as recommended those that fit the profile for universal childhood immunization and would ideally be given to all children, but that can be pri...

[Immunization schedule of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics: 2012 recommendations.]

Anales de Pediatria — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moreno-Pérez D, Alvarez García FJ, Arístegui Fernández J, Barrio Corrales F, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ, Corretger Rauet JM, González-Hachero J, Hernández-Sampelayo Matos T, Merino Moína M, Ortigosa Del Castillo L, Ruiz-Contreras J, Abstract The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (CAV-AEP) updates the immunization schedule every year, taking into account epidemiological data as well as evidence on the effectiveness and efficency of vaccines. The present schedule includes grades of recommendation. We have graded as routine vaccinations those that the CAV-AEP believes all children should receive; as recommended those that fit the profile for universal childhood immunization and would ideally be given to all children, but that can be pri...

Impact of rotavirus vaccination on childhood gastroenteritis-related mortality and hospital discharges in Panama

International Journal of Infectious Diseases — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study was carried out in order to describe the trends in gastroenteritis-related (GER) hospitalizations and mortality in children (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)

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Progress in the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine --- Latin America and the Caribbean, 2006--2010

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:28:19 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Latin America: Rotavirus vaccine effective

Health News - UPI.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:18:56 +0100

ATLANTA, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Fourteen of the 32 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean make the rotavirus vaccine available for all infants via national programs, U.S. officials say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Progress in the introduction of rotavirus vaccine - latin america and the Caribbean, 2006-2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This report describes progress in the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in LAC, where it was first introduced in 2006 in Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela; by January 2011, it was included in the national immunization schedules of 14 countries in LAC. Estimated national rotavirus vaccine coverage (2 doses of the monovalent vaccine or 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine) among children aged <1 year in 2010 ranged from 49% to 98% (median: 89%) in the 11 LAC countries with vaccine introduction before 2010. Of the 14 countries that had introduced rotavirus vaccine into their national immunization programs, 13 participate in a hospital-based rotavirus surveillance network. Data from some countries in this network and from other monitoring efforts in LAC countries h...

Leveraging State Immunization Information Systems to Measure the Effectiveness of Rotavirus Vaccine

PEDIATRICS — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Three RV5 doses confer sustained protection against rotavirus disease during the first 3 years of life in US children. Two RV5 doses also seem to provide good protection. IISs can be valuable tools for assessing the effectiveness of vaccines administered to young children. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Reduction in morbidity and mortality from childhood diarrhoeal disease after species A rotavirus vaccine introduction in Latin America : a review.

Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Desai R, Oliveira LH, Parashar UD, Lopman B, Tate JE, Patel MM Abstract Countries in Latin America were among the first to implement routine vaccination against species A rotavirus (RVA). We evaluate data from Latin America on reductions in gastroenteritis and RVA disease burden following the introduction of RVA vaccine. Published literature was reviewed to identify case-control studies of vaccine effectiveness and population-based studies examining longitudinal trends of diarrhoeal disease reduction after RVA vaccine introduction in Latin American countries. RVA vaccine effectiveness and impact on gastroenteritis mortality and hospitalization rates and RVA hospitalization rates are described. Among middle-income Latin American countries with published data (Mexico, Brazil...

Intussusception Risk of Rotavirus Vaccination

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:23 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 22, Page 2137-2138, December 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Intussusception after Rotavirus Vaccination — Spontaneous Reports

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:22 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 22, Page 2139, December 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Modeling rotavirus strain dynamics in developed countries to understand the potential impact of vaccination on genotype distributions [Medical Sciences]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Understanding how immunity shapes the dynamics of multistrain pathogens is essential in determining the selective pressures imposed by vaccines. There is currently much interest in elucidating the strain dynamics of rotavirus to determine whether vaccination may lead to the replacement of vaccine-type strains. In developed countries, G1P[8] strains constitute the majority of rotavirus infections most years, but occasionally other genotypes dominate for reasons that are not well understood. We developed a mathematical model to examine the interaction of five common rotavirus genotypes. We explored a range of estimates for the relative strength of homotypic vs. heterotypic immunity and compared model predictions against observed genotype patterns from six countries. We then incorporated vacc...

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Progress introducing rotavirus vaccine into Latin America and the Caribbean, 2006–2010.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 22128387 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

Early observations in the use of oral rotavirus vaccination in infants with functional short gut syndrome

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In this small series, oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccination of infants with high‐output ileostomy was tolerated in most cases. (Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health)

Methods suitable for high-throughput screening of siRNAs and other chemical compounds with the potential to inhibit rotavirus replication.

Journal of Virological Methods — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study several methods to quantify rotavirus replication in cell culture were evaluated; the cell death and viral protein expression assays were compared, and an in-cell Western method based on infrared detection that allows the simultaneous quantification of viral antigen and total protein content in the same cell culture well was developed. This is an easy, inexpensive method for detection of viral replication, and it is compatible with high-throughput screening. PMID: 22115788 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)

Pediatric Rotavirus Vaccination Reduces Prevalence in AdultsPediatric Rotavirus Vaccination Reduces Prevalence in Adults

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:29:23 +0100

The prevalence of rotavirus in adults dropped by half after widespread pediatric vaccination against the virus began in the US in 2006; a dramatic decline in pediatric disease was seen by 2008. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Use of PCR-based assays for the detection of the adventitious agent porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) in vaccines, and for confirming the identity of cell substrates and viruses used in vaccine production.

Journal of Virological Methods — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kumar D, Beach NM, Meng XJ, Hegde NR Abstract Safety and quality are important issues for vaccines. Whereas reversion to virulence poses a safety risk with live attenuated vaccines, the potential for the presence of adventitious agents is also an issue of vaccine quality. The recent detection or porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) in human vaccines has further highlighted the importance of quality control in vaccine production. The purpose of this study was to use a novel conventional PCR to detect PCV1, and subsequently screen materials used in the manufacture of vaccines at Bharat Biotech International Limited, India. The genome or gene fragments of PCV1 were not detected in any of the vaccines and materials tested, including the live attenuated rotavirus vaccine candidate ...

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Rotavirus Prevalence in the Primary Care Setting in Nicaragua after Universal Infant Rotavirus Immunization.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, rotavirus was an uncommon cause of childhood diarrhea in this primary care setting after implementation of a rotavirus immunization program. PMID: 22049057 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

First description of gastroenteritis viruses in Lebanese children: A pilot study

Journal of Infection and Public Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

I have 2 comments on the interesting study by Al-Ali et al. on the first description of gastroenteritis viruses in Lebanese children. First, I presume that the frequency distribution of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) [48%] in Lebanese children addressed by Al-Ali et al. needs to be considered with caution. Apart from seasonal influence (April–May), short study period (2 months), and limited number of the studied patients (n=79), the prior immunization status of the studied patients against rotavirus (RV) represents an additional important limitation. Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) has been incorporated in the immunization schedule worldwide as it was shown to mimic the immunity following natural RV infection that confers protection against severe gastroenteritis and consequently, reduces the...

Response to Letter by: Al-Mendalawi et al., doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2011.08.002

Journal of Infection and Public Health — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In response to the question raised by Prof. Al-Mendalawi about rotavirus immunization coverage in Lebanon, we would like to emphasize that the rotavirus vaccine is not incorporated in the routine immunization schedule; the vaccine is however available in the private clinics. Unfortunately, the anti-rotavirus immunity of patients included in our study has not been investigated. Our results are not different from those obtained in Europe. In France where rotavirus vaccination is not included in the routine immunization program, a recent study has reported that rotavirus was the cause of more than 50% of the total hospitalizations for gastroenteritis per year in a pediatric unit in Paris, followed by norovirus causing 8% of the total hospitalizations . (Source: Journal of Infection and Public...

Rotavirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations among Japanese Children Aged

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kamiya H, Nakano T, Kamiya H, Yui A, Taniguchi K, Parashar U, Abstract Two effective vaccines for rotavirus infection will be available near future in Japan and data on the burden of rotavirus disease and the circulating rotavirus strains are urgently needed. To obtain these data, we set up active rotavirus hospitalization surveillance in three cities, Tsu, Matsusaka, and Ise in Mie Prefecture, Japan. From November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2009, we enrolled children <5 years of age who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and collected information on age, sex, month of admission, city of residence, and symptoms at the time of hospitalization. Stool samples were also obtained for rotavirus testing and genotype investigation. Rotavirus inf...

Rotavirus vaccines contraindicated in infants with history of intussusception [NEWS AND FEATURES]

AAP News — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: AAP News)

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Current immunization policies for pneumococcal, meningococcal C, varicella and rotavirus vaccinations in Italy

Health Policy — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Italian Regions are moving towards a common vaccination strategy concerning pneumococcal and meningococcal C vaccine. The debate on a common varicella and rotavirus vaccination strategy is still on-going. (Source: Health Policy)

Meta-analysis: Estimate of worldwide rotavirus-associated mortality in children younger than 5 years

NeLM - News — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases Area: News The Lancet Infectious Diseases has featured a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish the burden of life-threatening rotavirus disease before the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine, in terms of the number of deaths worldwide in children younger than 5 years due to diarrhoea attributable to rotavirus infection. WHO recommends routine use of rotavirus vaccines in all countries, particularly in those with high mortality attributable to diarrhoeal diseases. The meta-analysis included studies which involved at least 100 children, younger than 5 years who had been admitted to hospital with diarrhoea. Additionally, the studies were required to have a collection midpoint of the year 2000 or later, to be done in full yea...

Rotavirus Vaccine Benefits Now Far Outweigh RisksRotavirus Vaccine Benefits Now Far Outweigh Risks

Medscape Today Headlines — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:41:41 +0100

Risk-to-benefit ratios strongly support the use of current vaccines against rotavirus to prevent gastroenteritis in young children. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Routine rotavirus vaccination stops dollars going down the drain

PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:52:37 +0100

(Source: PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News)

The GAVI Alliance will provide funding for 16 developing countries to introduce rotavirus vaccines

PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:52:37 +0100

(Source: PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News)

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Addition of History of Intussusception as a Contraindication for Rotavirus Vaccination

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:51:30 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

CDC Adds Intussusception to Contraindications for Rotavirus Vaccination

Physician's First Watch current issue — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)

Addition of history of intussusception as a contraindication for rotavirus vaccination.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abstract The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revised prescribing information and patient labeling from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals for the monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1, marketed as Rotarix) and revised prescribing information and patient labeling from Merck & Co. for the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5, marketed as RotaTeq) to include history of intussusception as a contraindication. FDA approved the revisions for RV1 in February 2011 and for RV5 in July 2011. In its rotavirus vaccination recommendations, CDC is updating the contraindications for rotavirus vaccine (RV1 and RV5) to include history of intussusception. Previously, CDC had considered history of intussusception a precaution but not a contraindication. PMID: 22012117 [PubMed - i...

Genotyping of human rotaviruses circulating among children with diarrhea in Valencia, Venezuela

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:33:36 +0100

AbstractRotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis during childhood worldwide, especially in developing countries. Two rotavirus vaccines are available for childhood immunization programs. Evaluation of the vaccine performance will benefit from knowledge of the epidemiological features of rotavirus infection in regional settings. Limited information on the molecular characteristics of the rotavirus types circulating in Venezuela is available. Eighty seven (89.7%) of the 97 ELISA rotavirus positive stool samples collected from children with diarrhea aged <5 years during 2003 in Valencia (Carabobo State), were G‐, P‐ and NSP4‐genotyped by RT‐PCR and/or automated sequencing. Four common combinations, G3P[8]/NSP4‐E1, G2P[4]/NSP4‐E2, G9P[8]/NSP4‐E1, ...

Hospitalizations due to rotavirus gastroenteritis in Catalonia, Spain, 2003-2008.

BMC Research Notes — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: : The burden of hospitalizations attributable to rotavirus appeared to be lower in Catalonia than in other regions of Spain and Europe. The relatively low incidence of hospitalization due to rotavirus makes rotavirus vaccination less cost-effective in Catalonia than in other areas with higher rotavirus disease burden. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

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[Current events in vaccination.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Aubert M, Aumaître H, Beytout J, Bloch K, Bouhour D, Callamand P, Chave C, Cheymol J, Combadière B, Dahlab A, Denis F, De Pontual L, Dodet B, Dommergues MA, Dufour V, Gagneur A, Gaillat J, Gaudelus J, Gavazzi G, Gillet Y, Gras-le-Guen C, Haas H, Hanslik T, Hau-Rainsard I, Larnaudie S, Launay O, Lorrot M, Loulergue P, Malvy D, Marchand S, Picherot G, Pinquier D, Pulcini C, Rabaud C, Regnier F, Reinert P, Sana C, Savagner C, Soubeyrand B, Stephan JL, Strady C Abstract The annual meeting of the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) ; which brought together nearly 5000 participants from over 80 countries in Vancouver, Canada, October 21 to 24, 2010 ; provided a review of the influenza (H1N1) 2009 pandemic, evaluated vaccination programmes and presented new vacci...

Lessons From the US Rotavirus Vaccination Program [Commentary]

JAMA — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Horizontal transmission of a human rotavirus vaccine strain-A randomized, placebo-controlled study in twins.

Vaccine — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rivera L, Peña LM, Stainier I, Gillard P, Cheuvart B, Smolenov I, Ortega-Barria E, Han HH Abstract Transmission of excreted vaccine-derived infectious virus from vaccinated to unvaccinated individuals is possible within close contacts. This randomized (1:1), double-blind study evaluated the potential for transmission of human rotavirus vaccine strain, HRV (Rotarix™) from vaccine recipients to unvaccinated close contacts (twins). 100 pairs of healthy twins aged 6-14 weeks at the time of Dose 1 of HRV vaccine/placebo were enrolled and one randomly selected twin from each pair received two vaccine doses and the other received placebo doses (at 2 and 4 months of age). Presence of vaccine strain in the stool samples of placebo recipients was an indicator of transmission. Ser...

Rotavirus Vaccine RIX4414 (Rotarix): A Pharmacoeconomic Review of its Use in the Prevention of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Developing Countries

PharmacoEconomics — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:39:48 +0100

(Source: PharmacoEconomics)

A novel probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 strain active against rotavirus infections.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, a novel Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis strain has been isolated from infant feces and selected, based on its capacity to inhibit in vitro rotavirus Wa replication (up to 36.05% infectious foci reduction) and also to protect cells from virus infection (up to 48.50% infectious foci reduction), in both MA-104 and HT-29 cell lines. Furthermore, studies using a BALB/c mice model have proved that this strain provides preliminary in vivo protection against rotavirus infection. The strain has been deposited in the Spanish Type Culture Collection under the accession number CECT 7210. This novel strain has the main properties required of a probiotic, such as resistance to gastrointestinal juices, biliary salts, NaCl and low pH, as well as adhesion to intestinal mucus and sensi...

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Rotavirus vaccines contraindicated in infants with history of intussusception [News and Features]

AAP News — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: AAP News)

Characterization of rotavirus and norovirus strains: a 6-year study (2004-2009).

Jornal de Pediatria — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Genotype distribution varied according to collection year, accompanied by a reduction in detection rate. Use of RV vaccine requires implementation of post-marketing surveillance to monitor RV strain diversity and its efficacy against possible new emerging genotypes. NoVs have been increasingly identified as relevant etiological agents among hospitalized children and play an important role in the viral etiology of pediatric acute gastroenteritis in the state of São Paulo. PMID: 21979837 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Jornal de Pediatria)

The molecular epidemiology of circulating rotaviruses: three-year surveillance in the region of Monastir, Tunisia.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a common disease associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Epidemiological knowledge of rotavirus is critical for the development of effective preventive measures, including vaccines.These data will help to make informed decisions as to whether rotavirus vaccine should be considered for inclusion in Tunisia's National Immunisation Programme. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Decreasing Rate of Biliary Atresia in Taiwan: A Survey, 2004-2009

PEDIATRICS — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of liver death and liver transplantation in the pediatric age group. The pathogenesis of BA remains unclear, but epidemiological studies may enhance our understanding of the possible causes. Decreasing rates of BA have been found in Taiwan since 2007, which may be related to improvements in general socioeconomic status and possibly the popularity of rotavirus vaccination; this may shed light on possible preventive interventions for BA. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Another 37 Countries To Receive Vaccine Funding To Protect Children From Major Diseases

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Funding for 16 more developing countries to introduce rotavirus vaccines as well as funding for 18 more countries to introduce pneumococcal vaccines, will be provided by The GAVI Alliance it was announced today. This is a huge advance in protecting children against the two leading killers among children - severe diarrhea and pneumonia. In Sudan, the introduction of rotavirus vaccines has already started, and the announcement today verifies that a further 12 countries in Africa will receive funding in order to introduce the vaccines. GAVI CEO Seth Berkley M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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GAVI rolls out vaccines against child killers to more countries

BMJ Online First — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI Alliance) has announced that it will provide funding for 16 developing countries to introduce rotavirus vaccines and for 18 to introduce... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Vaccine Campaign Will Target Deadly Childhood Diarrhea

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:45:00 +0100

Every year, more than one million children under the age of five die as a result of diarrhoea. It is the second-biggest killer in this age group, after pneumonia, and 40% of diarrhoea deaths are caused by rotavirus.That horrific toll could soon fall, thanks to the first major roll-out of rotavirus vaccines in Africa, where half of rotavirus deaths occur. The programme was unveiled this week by the GAVI Alliance -- formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation -- based in Geneva, Switzerland. The group hopes to immunize 50 million children against rotavirus in 40 of the world's poorest countries by 2015. Although rotavirus gastroenteritis is common worldwide, it kills very few children in richer countries, where hospitalization and intravenous rehydration are readily avail...

Record Number Of Children To Be Vaccinated Against Diarrhea And Pneumonia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Sixteen more developing nations will receive funding to protect their children from rotavirus and pneumococcal infections, major causes of childhood deaths globally from severe diarrhea and pneumonia, the GAVI Alliance announced today. Pneumonia and diarrhea are the two leading causes of childhood deaths in developing nations. The GAVI Alliance, formerly known as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization is a health partnership consisting of public bodies and private organizations... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A Multi-Center, Qualitative Assessment of Pediatrician and Maternal Perspectives on Rotavirus Vaccines and the Detection of Porcine circovirus

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Pediatricians considered the detection of DNA material from PCV in rotavirus vaccines a "non-issue" and reported little hesitation in continuing to recommend the vaccines. Mothers desired transparency, but ultimately trusted their pediatrician's recommendation. Both vaccines are currently approved for their intended use, and no risk of human PCV illness has been reported. Communicating this topic to pediatricians and mothers requires sensitivity to a broad range of technical understanding and personal concerns. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)

Vaccinating Infants Against Rotavirus Resulted In Dramatic Decrease In Health Care Use And Treatment Costs For Diarrhea-Related Illness

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

According to the CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) new study that is published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, vaccinating infants against rotavirus resulted in a dramatic decrease in health care use and treatment costs for diarrhea-related illness in U.S. infants and young children. Dr. Umesh Parashar, medical epidemiologist and team leader for the Viral Gastroenteritis Team in CDC's Division of Viral Diseases commented: "This is good news for parents and our health system overall... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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CDC: Rotavirus vaccine cuts kids' hospitalization rates

USATODAY.com Health — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:25:25 +0100

Rotavirus inoculation kept thousands of kids out of the hospital, saved millions in costs, study found. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Rotavirus Vaccine Cut Admissions, Costs in Young Kids (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Pediatrics — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Rotavirus vaccination has dramatically reduced related hospitalizations in children under age 5, saving about $278 million in treatment costs over two years, according to an insurance claims analysis. (Source: MedPage Today Pediatrics)

Rotavirus Vaccination Has Had Wide Benefits, Even Among the Unvaccinated

Physician's First Watch current issue — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)

CDC: Rotavirus Vaccine Cuts Kids’ Hospitalization Rates

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Since the 2006 introduction of routine inoculation against rotavirus -- a leading cause of diarrhea in infants and young children -- almost 65,000 fewer American children have been hospitalized and about $278 million in healthcare costs have been saved, according to new research. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Rotavirus Vaccination Leads to Large Decreases in Health Care Costs and Doctor Visits

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:00:04 +0100

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related MedlinePlus Page: Rotavirus Infections (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Rotavirus Vaccine and Health Care Utilization for Diarrhea in U.S. Children

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:00:24 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 12, Page 1108-1117, September 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Vaccine for Childhood Diarrhea Helps Kids, Saves Dollars

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0100

Rotavirus inoculation kept thousands of kids out of the hospital, saved millions in costs, study found Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Diarrhea (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Rotavirus Vaccine Has Cut Hospitalization of Kids

WebMD Health — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Far fewer children were hospitalized for a common stomach bug known as rotavirus since routine vaccination was recommended in 2006, a study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)

Vaccine for Childhood Diarrhea Helps Kids, Saves Dollars

The Doctors Lounge - Gastroenterology — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Rotavirus inoculation kept thousands of kids out of the hospital, saved millions in costs, study found (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Gastroenterology)

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Vaccine shows dramatic two-year reduction in rotavirus diarrhea

Modern Medicine — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The rotavirus vaccine, introduced in the U.S. in 2006, has substantially reduced the rate of severe diarrhea among young children and the medical expenses associated with them, according to a new national study. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Rotavirus Immunization for Developing CountriesRotavirus Immunization for Developing Countries

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:56:22 +0100

The price of rotavirus vaccines is the main factor restraining developing countries from implementing universal rotavirus immunization. Expert Review of Vaccines (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Prospective evaluation of indirect costs due to acute rotavirus gastroenteritis in Spain: the ROTACOST study

BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to assess the indirect costs induced by rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (RVAGE) in Spain. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from October 2008 to June 2009. It included 682 children up to 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) who attended primary care (n=18) and emergency room/hospital settings (n=10), covering the regions of Galicia and Asturias (North-west Spain). All non-medical expenses incurred throughout the episode were recorded in detail using personal interviews and telephone contact. Results: Among the 682 enrolled children, 207 (30.4%) were rotavirus positive and 170 (25%) had received at least one dose of rotavirus vaccine. The mean (standard deviation) indirect cost caused by an episode of AGE was estimated at 135.17 (182.70)Eur...

Rotavirus vaccine protection reaches far beyond infants receiving it

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In a case of unintended consequences gone right, the benefit of vaccinating infants against rotavirus does more than protect them against a serious illness with a high hospitalization rate. It also helps prevent the disease in older children and adults who have not received the vaccine, according to a recent study. What were the ?secrets and surprises? uncovered after introduction of the new vaccine? (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

National and state vaccination coverage among children aged 19--35 months --- United States, 2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report describes the 2010 NIS coverage estimates for children born during January 2007--July 2009. Nationally, vaccination coverage increased in 2010 compared with 2009 for ≥1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), from 90.0% to 91.5%; ≥4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), from 80.4% to 83.3%; the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), from 60.8% to 64.1%; ≥2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine (HepA), from 46.6% to 49.7%; rotavirus vaccine, from 43.9% to 59.2%; and the full series of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, from 54.8% to 66.8%. Coverage for poliovirus vaccine (93.3%), MMR (91.5%), ≥3 doses HepB (91.8%), and varicella vaccine (90.4%) continued to be at or above the national health objective targets of 90% for these vaccines.* The percen...

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FDA update: Rotavirus vaccine is not for infants with severe combined immunodeficiency disease

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The US Food and Drug Administration has ordered a safety labeling change for RotaTeq oral solution. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

Decreasing Rate of Biliary Atresia in Taiwan: A Survey, 2004-2009

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:A significant decrease in BA incidence in Taiwan since 2007 has been noted and may be related to improvements in the general socioeconomic status and the popularity of rotavirus vaccination. Although more evidence is needed to establish a direct correlation, this phenomenon may shed light on possible causes of and preventive interventions for BA. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Rotavirus Vaccine Prevents Diarrhea in Older Kids, Too (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Public Health — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Immunization of infants with the rotavirus vaccine has not only reduced the incidence of disease in the youngest patients, but also had the surprising consequence of reducing the incidence of diarrhea in older age groups, a national U.S. analysis found. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Vaccinating Infants For Rotavirus Also Protects Unvaccinated Older Children And Adults

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Vaccinating infants against rotavirus also prevents serious disease in unvaccinated older children and adults, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This helps reduce rotavirus-related hospital costs in these older groups. The results of the study are published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases and are now available online. Rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. Before the vaccine, rotavirus was responsible for 58,000 to 70,000 pediatric hospitalizations each year. Routine rotavirus vaccination of U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Infants Being Vaccinated Against Rotavirus Can Prevent Serious Disease In Unvaccinated Older Children And Adults

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100

According to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), serious disease in unvaccinated older children and adults can be prevented by infants being vaccinated against rotavirus. Results of the investigation are published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases. Among infants and young children, rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhea, with between 58,000 and 70,000 pediatric hospitalizations each year prior to the vaccine... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Rotavirus vaccination of infants also protects unvaccinated older children and adults, study finds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:21:21 +0100

Vaccinating infants against rotavirus also prevents serious disease in unvaccinated older children and adults, according to a new study. This helps reduce rotavirus-related hospital costs in these older groups. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Rotavirus vaccination of infants also protects unvaccinated older children and adults

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Infectious Diseases Society of America) Vaccinating infants against rotavirus also prevents serious disease in unvaccinated older children and adults, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This helps reduce rotavirus-related hospital costs in these older groups. The results of the study are published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and are now available online . (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Childhood Diarrhea Deaths after Rotavirus Vaccination in Mexico

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:00:14 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 365, Issue 8, Page 772-773, August 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

ROTATEQ (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent) Solution [Merck Sharp Dohme Corp.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Aug 24, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Risks and Benefits of Second-Generation Rotavirus VaccinesRisks and Benefits of Second-Generation Rotavirus Vaccines

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:12:16 +0100

Safety assessments of rotavirus vaccine in Mexico and Brazil put the risks and benefits of this vaccine into perspective. Medscape Pediatrics (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Hospital-based study of the economic burden associated with rotavirus diarrhea in eastern China.

Vaccine — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jin H, Wang B, Fang Z, Duan Z, Gao Q, Liu N, Zhang L, Qian Y, Gong S, Zhu Q, Shen X, Wu Q Abstract Rotavirus infection is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhea in China. To evaluate the economic burden associated with rotavirus infection of children in China, we combined data on the disease burden of rotavirus-associated costs for samples comprising 832 outpatients and 604 inpatients from five seaside cities. The average social costs and direct medical costs for rotavirus-associated admissions were calculated to be US $61.64 and US $40.73 for outpatients, and US $684.15 and US $559.48 for inpatients, respectively, from October 1, 2006 to December 1, 2007. On average, the private cost ranged from US $54.64 for outpatients to US $454.24 for inpatients when childre...

Rotavirus vaccine: much benefit, little risk in Mexico and Brazil

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The first-generation rotavirus vaccine RotaShield was withdrawn in 1999 because of a 1 in 10 000 risk of intussusception. The second-generation vaccines—RotaTeq, a pentavalent bovine-human reassortant vaccine, and Rotarix (RV1), a monovalent human vaccine—underwent extensive clinical trials with no apparent increased risk of intussusception. In 2006–2007, Brazil and Mexico introduced routine infant immunisation with RV1. Now, a study in both countries (Manish M Patel, and colleagues. New Engl J Med 2011;364:2283–92; see also editorial, ibid:2354–5) has shown a small risk of intussusception that is outweighed by the benefits of vaccination. The study was undertaken between August 2008 and August 2010 in 53 Brazilian and 16 Mexican hospitals and used both case-s...

Impact of rotavirus vaccination on diarrhoea mortality and hospital admissions in BrazilImpacto de la vacunación contra el Rotavirus sobre la mortalidad por diarrea y los ingresos hospitalarios en Brasil

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:53:15 +0100

Conclusions The data demonstrate a decreasing trend in all‐cause diarrhoea‐related hospitalisations and deaths in children <5 years of age. These reductions were steeper between 2006 and 2009, highlighting the potential beneficial effect of the rotavirus vaccine associated with all‐cause diarrhoeal disease.Objetivo: Analizar los datos reportados por el sistema nacional de vigilancia de Brasil, incluidos datos sobre mortalidad por diarrea y admisiones hospitalarias antes y después de la introducción de la vacunación contra el rotavirus y evaluar el impacto de su uso bajo condiciones operativas.Método: Análisis retrospectivo de datos recogidos de forma rutinaria y reportados por diversos sistemas de vigilancia en Brasil durante un periodo de 8 años (2002‐2009), de...

Projecting the effectiveness of RotaTeq® against rotavirus-related hospitalisations in Brazil.

Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: El Khoury AC, Mast TC, Ciarlet M, Markson L, Goveia MG, Munford V, Rácz ML Abstract RotaTeq® (Merck & Company, Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA) is an oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) that has shown high and consistent efficacy in preventing rotavirus gastroenteritis (RGE) in randomised clinical trials previously conducted in industrialised countries with high medical care resources. To date, the efficacy and effectiveness data for RV5 are available in some Latin American countries, but not Brazil. In this analysis, we projected the effectiveness of RV5 in terms of the percentage reduction in RGE-related hospitalisations among children less than five years of age in four regions of Brazil, using a previously validated mathematical model. The model inputs incl...

Effectiveness of Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine Against Severe Disease

PEDIATRICS — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: RV5 was highly effective in preventing severe rotavirus disease, even after a partial series, with protection persisting throughout the second year of life. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Sequence analysis of human rotavirus strains: comparison of clinical isolates from Northern and Southern Italy

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:46:54 +0100

The objective of the present study was to compare RV strains isolated in Northern (Ferrara) and Southern (Galatina-LE) Italy. During 2007–2008, 115 RV-positive stool samples were collected from children with diarrhea admitted to the hospitals of Ferrara and Galatina. The specimens were genotyped for VP7 (G-type) and VP4 (P-type) gene by reverse transcription (RT) and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A subset of 21 RV strains was randomly selected and characterized by sequence analysis of the VP7 genes. In total, seven G/P combinations (G1P[8], G2P[4], G4P[8], G9P[8], G2P[8], G1P[9], and G2P[10]) were identified. Phylogenetic comparison of the VP7 encoding gene of selected strains showed that there was similarity among RV strains circulating in Northern and Southern Italy....

Rotavirus vaccine and intussusception:report from an expert consultation.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 21800466 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

Rotavirus Vaccine as Good in Real World as in TrialsRotavirus Vaccine as Good in Real World as in Trials

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:42:23 +0100

The pentavalent rotavirus vaccine RV5 prevents severe disease under field conditions as well as it did in clinical trials, registry data show. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

Rotavirus vaccine works as well in real world as in clinical trials

Modern Medicine — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The pentavalent rotavirus vaccine RV5 prevents severe disease under field conditions as well as it did in clinical trials, registry data show. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Impact of rotavirus vaccination on diarrhoea mortality and hospital admissions in Brazil

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Pediatric rotavirus vaccination has dramatically cut GI hospitalizations

MedWire News - Gastroenterology — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The US policy of routinely vaccinating infants against rotavirus has led to a dramatic reduction in childhood hospitalizations for gastroenteritis, research indicates. (Source: MedWire News - Gastroenterology)

Molecular characterization of rotavirus strains from children with diarrhea in Italy, 2007–2009

Journal of Medical Virology — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:47:05 +0100

AbstractThe surveillance network RotaNet‐Italia was established in 2007 in order to investigate the diversity of co‐circulating rotavirus strains in Italy, and to provide a baseline for future assessment of possible effects of vaccine implementation in selecting novel versus common rotavirus strains. A total of 2,645 rotavirus strains from pediatric patients with acute diarrhea were collected over three consecutive seasons from September 2006 through August 2009, and partially characterized by standardized multiplex RT‐PCR. Most of strains (89.1%) belonged to genotypes G1–G4, and G9, associated with either P[8] or P[4], commonly found in humans worldwide. However, in at least 2.0% of cases, viruses exhibited either a G or P type typical of animal viral strains, suggesting gene reas...

Monitoring of group C rotavirus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Brazil: An emergent epidemiological issue after rotavirus vaccine?

Journal of Medical Virology — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:47:02 +0100

This study provides further evidence that GpCRV is a minor cause of acute childhood gastroenteritis in Brazil, and does not suggest that GpCRV may assume epidemiological importance in the future, even after the introduction of a GpARV vaccine. In addition, the molecular analyses of the GpCRV samples in this study do not support the zoonotic hypothesis. J. Med. Virol. 83:1631–1636, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Comparative review of three cost-effectiveness models for rotavirus vaccines in national immunization programs; a generic approach applied to various regions in the world

BMC Medicine — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The comparative approach followed here is helpful in understanding the various models selected and will thus benefit (low-income) countries in designing their own cost-effectiveness analyses using new or adapted existing models. Potential users of the models in low and middle income countries need to consider results from existing studies and reviews. The comparative approach followed here is helpful in understanding the various models selected and will thus benefit (low-income) countries in designing their own costeffectiveness analyses using new or adapted existing models. Potential users of the models in low and middle income countries need to consider results from existing studies and reviews. There will be a need for contextualisation including the use of country specific...

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Productive infection of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by porcine circovirus type 1.

Vaccine — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Beach NM, Córdoba L, Kenney SP, Meng XJ Porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), a small DNA virus in pigs, recently gained its notoriety when commercial human rotavirus vaccines were discovered to be contaminated by infectious PCV1. Here we report, for the first time, definitive evidence of productive PCV1 infection in a subclone of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Huh-7, subclone 10-3). Infectious virus was detected in the lysates of infected Huh-7 cells by immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and can be serially passaged in Huh-7-S10-3 cells. The growth kinetic of PCV1 in Huh-7-S10-3 cells was determined in a one-step growth curve using IFA and a quantitative PCR assay. PCV1 achieved a lower infectious titer in Huh-7-S10-3 human cells compared to the titer normally achieved in ...

GlaxoSmithKline Receives New Approval For Rotarix And Significant New Indication For Lamictal® (lamotrigine) In Japan

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that its rotavirus vaccine has received approval in Japan from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for use in infants to prevent gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus. RotarixTM is the first vaccine against rotavirus to be approved in Japan, and the third GSK vaccine to gain approval in Japan following the licences received for Cervarix® in 2009 and ArepanrixTM in 2010. It is expected to be available in Japan towards the end of the year, following the completion of national testing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GlaxoSmithKline receives new approval for Rotarix and significant new indication for Lamictal® (lamotrigine) in Japan

GSK news — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:19:23 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today announced that its rotavirus vaccine has received approval in Japan from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for use in infants to prevent gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus. (Source: GSK news)

Benefit Outweighs Rotavirus Vaccine's Risk of Intussusception

Pediatric News — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The second-generation rotavirus vaccine appears to raise the risk of intussusception in a similar manner as its predecessor, but its benefits still far outweigh that risk, according to a recent report. (Source: Pediatric News)

Rotavirus vaccine reduces gastroenteritis hospitalizations among children

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Vaccination against rotavirus, a major cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in children, dramatically decreased hospitalization rates for the infection among infants in 3 US counties, according to a new study. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

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Gastroenteritis hospitalisation reduced by vaccine

Pharmacy Europe — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:47:00 +0100

A rotavirus vaccine has decreased the need for hospital admissions in children suffering with severe acute gastroenteritis, a U.S. study has concluded in Clinical Infectious Diseases (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Impact of early life exposures to geohelminth infections on the development of vaccine immunity, allergic sensitization, and allergic inflammatory diseases in children living in tropical Ecuador: the ECUAVIDA birth cohort study

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe study will provide information on the potential effects of early exposures to geohelminths (during pregnancy and the first 2 years of life) on the development of vaccine immunity and allergy. The data will inform an ongoing debate of potential effects of geohelminths on child health and will contribute to policy decisions on new interventions designed to improve vaccine immunogenicity and protect against the development of allergic diseases. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41239086. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Well: Vaccines Protect the Youngest Babies

NYT Health — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:43:13 +0100

Two new studies offer good news for newborns and children about two different vaccinations -- flu vaccine for pregnant women, and rotavirus vaccine for infants. (Source: NYT Health)

Monovalent rotavirus vaccine benefits outweigh risks

Reactions — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:24:12 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Rotavirus Vaccine Reduces Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations Rotavirus Vaccine Reduces Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:25:42 +0100

In 3 US counties from 2006 to 2009, use of rotavirus vaccine was associated with greatly reduced gastroenteritis hospitalizations in children. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Rotavirus vaccine greatly reduced gastroenteritis hospitalizations in children

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:35:35 +0100

Rotavirus Vaccine Greatly Reduced Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations In Children

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Vaccination against rotavirus, a major cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in children, dramatically decreased hospitalization rates for the infection among infants in three U.S. counties, according to a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases and now available online. From 2006 to 2009, researchers examined the impact of the vaccine among children hospitalized for diarrhea and/or vomiting in the Cincinnati, Ohio; Nashville, Tenn.; and Rochester, N.Y., areas. In 2008, rotavirus hospitalizations among vaccine-eligible children decreased 87 to 96 percent... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Urgent Need To Fight Diseases Affecting The World's Poor

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Despite significant advancements in increasing distribution and development of vaccines against childhood killer diseases - including pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and Haemophilus influenzae Type B - global efforts to reduce the burden of infection from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has greatly lagged, argues Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) President Dr. Peter Hotez in an article for the June edition of Health Affairs. NTDs, a group of 17 parasitic infections, represent a significant contributor to global poverty, and have well documented chronic and disabling effects... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Greater R&D funding needed to fight diseases affecting world's poor, experts say

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:11:11 +0100

Despite significant advancements in increasing distribution and development of vaccines against childhood killer diseases -- including pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and Haemophilus influenzae type B -- global efforts to reduce the burden of infection from neglected tropical diseases has greatly lagged, argue experts. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Greater R&D funding needed to fight diseases affecting world's poor

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Sabin Vaccine Institute) Despite significant advancements in increasing distribution and development of vaccines against childhood killer diseases -- including pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and Haemophilus influenzae type B -- global efforts to reduce the burden of infection from neglected tropical diseases has greatly lagged, argues Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) President Dr. Peter Hotez in an article for the June edition of Health Affairs. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Rotavirus Vaccine Tied to Short-Term Risk for IntussusceptionRotavirus Vaccine Tied to Short-Term Risk for Intussusception

Medscape Today Headlines — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 02:52:44 +0100

Health officials emphasize that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Rotavirus Vaccine Linked to Bowel Disorder

MedicineNet Crohn's Disease General — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Rotavirus Vaccine Linked to Bowel DisorderCategory: Health NewsCreated: 6/16/2011 11:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/16/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Crohn's Disease General)

Comparative Evaluation of the Potential Impact of Rotavirus versus HPV Vaccination in GAVI-Eligible Countries: A Preliminary Analysis Focused on the Relative Disease Burden

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: While lifesaving benefits of rotavirus and HPV vaccines will be realized at different times, the number of lives saved over each target populations' lifetimes will be similar. Model-based analyses that use a standardized analytic approach and generate comparable outputs can enrich the priority-setting dialogue. Although new vaccines may be deemed cost-effective, other factors including affordability and distributional equity need to be considered in different settings. We caution that for priority setting in an individual country, more rigorous comparisons should be performed, using more comprehensive models and considering all relevant vaccines and delivery strategies. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Intussusception Risk and Health Benefits of Rotavirus Vaccination in Mexico and Brazil

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:00:06 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 364, Issue 24, Page 2283-2292, June 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Rotavirus Vaccination and Intussusception — Act Two

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:00:05 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 364, Issue 24, Page 2354-2355, June 2011. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Rotavirus Vaccine Linked to Bowel Disorder

WebMD Health — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0100

New research from Mexico and Brazil links a widely used rotavirus vaccine with a rare bowel obstruction in babies. (Source: WebMD Health)

Big Pharma Follows Gates' Lead By Slashing Rota Vaccine Prices

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Last month in Geneva, Bill Gates laid out his vision for the impact that broadening access to vaccines can have on the world. Now, only a few weeks after his inspirational speech, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has promised to cut a whopping 95% off its rotavirus vaccine for sale to the globe's poorest countries, while Merck has also said it would cut the price on its vaccine against the same illness. Sanofi Pasteur and Johnson & Johnson also promised cuts. Gates stated: "Vaccines are inexpensive, they are easy to deliver, and they are proven to protect children from disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Rotavirus vaccines: Safety, efficacy and public health impact.

Journal of Internal Medicine — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractRotaviruses are the cause of acute gastroenteritis and disease is widespread among infants and young children throughout the world. Also, rotavirus is associated with significant mortality in developing countries with more that 500,000 children dying each year as a result of the severe dehydration associated with rotavirus disease. Efforts have been ongoing for more that 30 years to develop a safe and effective rotavirus vaccine. Currently, two vaccines, RotaRix (GSK, Belgium) and RotaTeq (Merck, USA), have been licensed for use in many countries throughout the world following comprehensive safety and efficiency trials. Monitoring their effectiveness post licensure has confirmed that their incorporation into early childhood vaccination schedules can significantly prevent severe rot...

Phylogenetic analysis of rotavirus A NSP2 gene sequences and evidence of intragenic recombination.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study also identified a sequence that fell between lineages and exhibited evidence of recombination, the first time that intergenic recombination has been detected in a NSP2 gene sequence. This study increases the understanding of the evolution mechanisms of NSP2 in view of improved vaccine design. PMID: 21689784 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution)

Rotavirus vaccines: safety, efficacy and public health impact

Journal of Internal Medicine — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract. Gray J (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK). Rotavirus vaccines: safety, efficacy and public health impact (Foresight). J Intern Med 2011; doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2796.2011.02409.x.Rotaviruses are the cause of acute gastroenteritis, and disease is widespread amongst infants and young children throughout the world. Also, rotavirus is associated with significant mortality in developing countries with more than 500 000 children dying each year as a result of the severe dehydration associated with rotavirus disease. Efforts have been ongoing for more than 30 years to develop a safe and effective rotavirus vaccine. Currently, two vaccines, RotaRix and RotaTeq, have been licensed for use in many countries throughout the world following comprehensive safety and ef...

Cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in the Netherlands; the results of a consensus model

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our economic analysis indicates that inclusion of rotavirus vaccination in the Dutch National Immunization Program might be cost-effective depending on the cost of the vaccine and the impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis on children's quality of life. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Estimated Economic Benefits During The 'Decade Of Vaccines' Include Treatment Savings, Gains In Labor Productivity [The Priceless Payoff]

Health Affairs — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study estimates both the short- and long-term economic benefits from the introduction and increased use of six vaccines in seventy-two of the world’s poorest countries from 2011 to 2020. Increased rates of vaccination against pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b pneumonia and meningitis, rotavirus, pertussis, measles, and malaria over the next ten years would save 6.4 million lives and avert 426 million cases of illness, $6.2 billion in treatment costs, and $145 billion in productivity losses. Monetary estimates based on this type of analysis can be used to determine the return on investment in immunization from both the international community and local governments, and they should be considered in policy making. (Source: Health Affairs)

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Vaccines As A Global Imperative--A Business Perspective [Challenges For Science & Business]

Health Affairs — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

During the past thirty years, vaccines have experienced a renaissance. Advances in science, business, and distribution have transformed the field to the point where vaccines are recognized as a "best buy" in global health, a driver of pharmaceutical industry growth, and a key instrument of international development. With many new vaccines available and others on the horizon, the global community will need to explore new ways of ensuring access to vaccines in developing nations. So-called tiered pricing, which makes vaccines available at different prices for countries at different levels of economic development; innovative financing mechanisms such as advance market commitments or offers of long-term and high-volume contracts to vaccine producers; and technology transfers such as sharing in...

Big Pharma Follows Gates' Lead; Slashes Rota Vaccine Prices For Poor

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:00:00 +0100

Last month in Geneva, Bill Gates laid out his vision for the impact that broadening access to vaccines can have on the world. Now, only a few weeks after his inspirational speech, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has promised to cut a whopping 95% off its rotavirus vaccine for sale to the globe's poorest countries, while Merck has also said it would cut the price on its vaccine against the same illness. Sanofi Pasteur and Johnson & Johnson also promised cuts. Gates stated in May: "Vaccines are inexpensive, they are easy to deliver, and they are proven to protect children from disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Millions of children in the world’s poorest countries could receive vaccination against rotavirus diarrhoeal disease under new offer made by GSK to the GAVI Alliance

GSK news — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:30:00 +0100

GSK today announced that it has made a new offer to supply its rotavirus vaccine, RotarixTM, to the GAVI Alliance at $2.50 per dose, a small fraction of developed world prices. This announcement is part of the company’s efforts to increase access to its medicines and vaccines in the world’s poorest countries. (Source: GSK news)

Bharat Biotech to supply Rotavirus vaccine at $ 1

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:04:33 +0100

Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech will supply India's first indigenously developed diarrhea vaccine to global markets and UN procurement agencies at a cut-price of $ 1. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)